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处 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
处chǔto resideHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto liveHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto dwellHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto be inHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto be situated atHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto stayHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto get along withHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto be in a position ofHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto deal withHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto disciplineHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto punishHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔplaceHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔlocationHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔspotHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔpointHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔofficeHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔdepartmentHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔbureauHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔrespectHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔclassifier for locations or items of damage: spot, pointHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chǔto reside at, to live in; place, locale; departmentHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto resideHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto liveHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto dwellHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto be inHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto be situated atHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto stayHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto get along withHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto be in a position ofHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto deal withHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto disciplineHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto punishHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùplaceHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùlocationHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùspotHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùpointHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùofficeHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùdepartmentHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùbureauHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùrespectHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùclassifier for locations or items of damage: spot, pointHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
处chùto reside at, to live in; place, locale; departmentHSK 5, n, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #586, Hard
chǔ(chu3)
primary
 T3
  1. 1to reside
  2. 2to live
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

处(處)chǔ(chu3)

The character 处 (chǔ) primarily refers to a place or location where one resides or is situated. It can also imply the act of dealing with situations, relationships, or issues. In various contexts, it conveys meanings related to discipline, respect, and categorization of locations or situations.

Strokes5Radical夂Frequency#586DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 'place' is often tied to social hierarchies and respect, reflecting how one's position in society influences relationships and interactions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person standing at a specific point (处) on a map, representing a place where they live. The character's form can be visualized as a person (亻) at a spot (土) on the ground, symbolizing dwelling or being at a location.

Meanings of 处

chǔ(chu3)
primary
1to reside
2to live
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 处 means.

About 处

处Simplified
處Traditional
5Strokes
夂Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#586Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2BCT✓CEFRB1

Podcast: 处

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Podcast: 处

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AI Study Notes for 处

Quick Contrast

处 (chǔ) vs 地 (dì) — use 处 when referring to a specific location or situation in a more abstract sense, whereas 地 is more concrete and often refers to physical ground or earth.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 处 with similar-sounding words like 处于 (chǔyú), which means 'to be in a state of.' It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious when using it to describe interactions, as it can imply discipline or correction.

HSK Study Tips

Though 处 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for intermediate learners. Students should focus on its various meanings and how it connects to verbs that express location or interaction, expanding their vocabulary in spatial and social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 处 with 处所 (chǔsuǒ), which means 'place' and is more specific. For example, saying '我在处' (Wǒ zài chǔ) is incorrect; it should be '我在这里' (Wǒ zài zhèlǐ) meaning 'I am here.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 处

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Etymology of 处

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 處. Phonosemantic compound. 夂 represents the meaning and 虎 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

To go somewhere 夂 and put down a flag 卜

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 处?

Decomposition of 处

IDS Structure⿺夂卜
处Full Character
=
夂zhi3
enclosing
卜—
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 处?

How to say to reside in Chinese

“to reside” in Chinese is处chǔ

The character 处 (chǔ) primarily refers to a place or location where one resides or is situated. It can also imply the act of dealing with situations, relationships, or issues. In various contexts, it conveys meanings related to discipline, respect, and categorization of locations or situations.

When to use 处

Common mistakes include confusing 处 with similar-sounding words like 处于 (chǔyú), which means 'to be in a state of.' It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious when using it to describe interactions, as it can imply discipline or correction.

处 or something close to it

处 (chǔ) vs 地 (dì) — use 处 when referring to a specific location or situation in a more abstract sense, whereas 地 is more concrete and often refers to physical ground or earth.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 处 with 处所 (chǔsuǒ), which means 'place' and is more specific. For example, saying '我在处' (Wǒ zài chǔ) is incorrect; it should be '我在这里' (Wǒ zài zhèlǐ) meaning 'I am here.'

Write 处

处

Practice writing 处 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 处

处 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 21 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

哭对身体有好____。

Crying is good for the body.

Example Sentences for 处 (14)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她从未放弃过探究我内心深处情感的尝试。

tā cóng wèi fàng qì guò tàn jiū wǒ nèi xīn shēn chǔ qíng gǎn de cháng shì。

She never abandoned her attempts to plumb my innermost emotions.
2
我工作非常有效率，处事果断，而且判断准确。

wǒ gōng zuò fēi cháng yǒu xiào shuài， ， chǔ shì guǒ， duàn ， ér qiě pàn duàn。

I work very efficiently and am decisive, and accurate in my judgement.
3
当你从内心深处找到一种可以忍受一切痛苦的坚强力量时，你的成长历程就会出现飞跃。

dāng nǐ cóng nèi xīn shēn chǔ zhǎo dào yī zhǒng kě yǐ rěn shòu yī qiē tòng kǔ de jiān qiáng lì liáng shí， ， nǐ de chéng cháng lì chéng jiù huì chū xiàn fēi。

The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.--Max Lerner
4
你必须将该处房产的资本增值考虑在内。

nǐ bì xū jiāng gāi chǔ fáng chǎn de zī běn zēng zhí kǎo lǜ zài nèi。

You have to take capital appreciation of the property into account.
5
你可以在页边空白处添加评论使文件变得富有个性。

nǐ kě yǐ zài yè biān kōng bái chǔ tiān jiā píng lùn shǐ wén jiàn biàn dé fù yǒu gè xìng。

You can individualize a document by adding comments in the margins.
6
你到处跟着我到底想干什么?

nǐ dào chǔ gēn zháo wǒ dào dǐ xiǎng gān shí mó?

What the hell do you think you're doing following me around?
7
快点走的好处在于，你可以早点到达那里。

kuài diǎn zǒu de hǎo chǔ zài yú， ， nǐ kě yǐ zǎo diǎn dào dá nà。

The advantage in going faster is that you get there quicker.
8
海伦也是25岁，也来自伯明翰，但是相同之处仅此而已。

hǎi lún yě shì25 25， suì ， yě lái zì bó， míng hàn ， dàn shì xiāng tóng zhī chǔ jǐn。

Helen is also 25 and from Birmingham, but the similarity ends there.
9
城市公园是理想去处，那里几乎一年四季鲜花盛开。

chéng shì gōng yuán shì lǐ xiǎng qù chǔ， ， nà lǐ jī hū yī nián sì jì xiān huā shèng。

Town gardens are ideal because they produce flowers nearly all year round.
10
卡姆登市场是周末的最佳去处。

kǎ mǔ dēng shì cháng shì zhōu mò de zuì jiā qù chǔ。

Camden Market is the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday.
11
他在这个城市已经处了十多年，对这里的一切都很熟悉。

Tā zài zhège chéngshì yǐjīng chǔle shí duō nián, duì zhèlǐ de yīqiè dōu hěn shúxī.

He has resided in this city for over ten years and is familiar with everything here.
12
他长期处于北方的一个小镇，享受宁静的生活。

Tā chángqī chǔ yú běifāng de yī gè xiǎo zhèn, xiǎngshòu níngjìng de shēnghuó.

He resides in a small northern town, enjoying a peaceful life.
13
在那座古老的城堡中，国王曾经多年处于其中。

Zài nà zuò gǔlǎo de chéngbǎo zhōng, guówáng céngjīng duō nián chǔ yú qízhōng.

The king resided in that ancient castle for many years.
14
她选择在海边处于一所小房子里，远离城市的喧嚣。

Tā xuǎnzé zài hǎibiān chǔ yú yī suǒ xiǎo fángzi lǐ, yuǎnlí chéngshì de xuānxiāo.

She chose to reside in a small house by the sea, away from the city's hustle and bustle.

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Cultural Notes for 处

💡Did you know?

The character '处' is often used in phrases related to living situations, such as '住所' (zhùsuǒ), which means residence or dwelling.

Word Family of 处

Compounds2
咎jiu4fault, defect; error, mistake
昝Zan3dual pronoun: "you and I", "we two"; surname
Words Containing This Character20
处chǔto reside處
处理chǔlǐto handle處理
到处dàochùeverywhere到處
处于chǔyúto be in (some state, position, or condition)處於
好处hǎochùbenefit好處
相处xiāngchǔto associate相處
处女virgin處女
处罚chǔfáto penalize處罰
四处sìchùall over the place四處
处在chǔzàito be situated at處在
深处shēnchùabyss深處
处境chǔjìngsituation (of a person)處境
查处cháchǔto investigate and handle (a criminal case)查處
处置chǔzhìto handle處置
住处zhùchùresidence住處
处理器processor處理器
远处yuǎnchùdistant place遠處
判处pànchǔto sentence判處
何处héchùwhence何處
处处chùchùeverywhere處處
Exercise 1 of 4

Characters with 处

What does 咎 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 处

While both 处 (chǔ) and 住 (zhù) relate to living or residing, 处 emphasizes the state of being or location, whereas 住 specifically means 'to live' or 'to reside.' In practice, 处 can be used in a broader range of contexts, such as describing where something is situated.

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